"La Columna Rota" by Frida Kahlo

Summary: An analysis of the powerful self-portrait "La Columna Rota" by Frida Kahlo. Through extensive amounts of symbolism, arid colors, visual imagery, and texture, the painting describes the change in Kahlo's life and the pain and emotion she feels on a daily basis following her tragic bus accident.

"La Columna Rota (The Broken Column)" by Frida Khalo is a powerful and intense self portrait of the horrific accident that had changed her life forever. The composer has chosen to show the persona change in circumstance from a young healthy woman, to someone who's experienced all dimension of pain, vulnerability and yet still shows a sense of hope in the end. This change is conveyed through extensive amounts of symbolism, arid colours, visual imagery and texture.

We are first drawn to the youthfulness of the persona. The artist has used texture to show her pubsense through her smooth, taut skin and thick luscious hair. Her face is like a blank canvas waiting to be painted with life's lessons. The colour of her skin is monochromatic and clear which emphasizes her adolescence.

Her firm, supple breasts and curvaceous body suggests an air of sexuality. For one so young...